It may still feel like the heat of summer, but for most of the nation the dog days are winding to a close. Soon the leaves will start turning, the boys of summer will give way to the gridiron giants, and summer cocktails will be replaced by patio drinks along with the ramp-up to Halloween and Thanksgiving. During the last few weeks of summer, homeowners can make a few changes to ensure they get off on the right foot in the autumn season. Doing so can make a world of difference when the winds change and harvest season comes around.
Outdoor Changes
Perhaps the biggest change you can make to prepare your home is to finally replace those old shutters. Fall brings with it the winds that will usher in the next season. A single loose, rickety or damaged shutter can turn a lovely cottage into a creepy cabin in no time.
This is also the time for weatherization, when summer starts to fade away and before winter chill sets in. A whole-home weatherization ensures that you can beat the heat while preparing for whatever Old Man Winter may blow your way. If you skipped out on cleaning the gutters, this might be your last chance before November rains and December snows turn a lazy moment into a disaster cleanup call.
Indoor Changes
Spring cleaning means dusting out the musty odors of winter, but getting rid of the dust and dirt of summer is equally as important. Take time to clean out or replace air filters. They may have gotten quite dirty during the warmer months, and they’ll be needed soon. Similarly, give your rugs a deep cleaning to prepare them for winter traffic and take any area rugs outside for a good beating to get dirt, dust and fur out of them before putting them back in place.
When the leaves begin to crisp, most of us have to retire the outdoor fire pit or grill. Even the neighborhood BBQ master isn’t likely to be out there by the time the snows fall. This leaves us dreaming of indoor fireplaces and mugs of cider. Now is the right time to figure out if your home is right for an electric or traditional fireplace. Choosing the wrong type can be even worse than not having one at all.
Just these few changes can make a world of difference as the seasons change. Get friends and family in on your autumn adventures, and you can easily find yourself with companions who want to hang out all season long in your new, fall-ready pad. Traditionally, autumn is a season for gathering and harvesting to share in the bounty of the spring and summer. Make your home a perfect gathering spot for those you love. If you build it, they will party.
